The lure of the Alps has long attracted adventurers from around the globe. The winter months in this area offer some excellent skiing and winter sports opportunities and the popularity and accessibility of the region continues to grow. For many first time or solo visitors, a tour offers the perfect combination of convenience and adventure. If you're looking for the excitement of a winter sports holiday without the hassle of planning it alone, then the companies below offer some of the best options. Most companies offer transportation, accommodation, food, and guides, so whether it's your first time ever hitting the slopes or you're a bit of an expert, the convenience and social dynamic of a group tour can make your trip that much more enjoyable.
Exodus Travel
Exodus Travel is an established tour operator that offers active adventure tours around the world. They offer a variety of winter tours for outdoor enthusiasts and they cater to a wide range of ages. If you're interested in cross country skiing, you'll find that they offer some good options in Europe, including trips to Austria, Italy, France, and Germany (several listed below). The trips cater to a range of skill levels and most people start to get the hang of it within a day or two.
Contiki
Contiki is one of the most popular and well known tour operators for young adults. The company caters to 18 to 35 year olds and they have more than 300 trips to six continents. The tours are usually focused on having and making new friends, so whether you're traveling alone of with companions, you'll likely appreciate the vibrant nightlife scene that goes with any Contiki tour.
Contiki offers a handful of trips focused specifically on winter sports. Most skiing trips are to Austria, with the option to get transportation to and from London. There are one and two week options that include accommodation, a guide, and food. The trips take you to the heart of the Austrian Alps in the Tyrolean village of Hopfgarten. It's possible to also purchase ski instruction from qualified local instructors.
Topdeck
Topdeck is another popular tour operator that caters to young adults between the ages of 18 and 39. They offer a diverse range of trips that are fun and active. In addition to a variety of more general winter tours, Topdeck also offers a skiing and snowboarding trip to Austria. The tour goes to Kirchdorf in the Austrian Tyrol region. You can rent equipment and lessons once you arrive and the trip is good of all skill levels.
Travel Talk
Travel Talk is another tour company that focuses on budget friendly trips to interesting locations around the world. They focus on local experiences in a fun and light environment. Most travelers are between the ages of 18 and 39 and have a sense of adventure and enthusiasm for the places they're visiting.
Travel Talk offers several skiing tours in France. With trips to a handful of locations including Chamonix, Val d'Isere, Tignes, and La Plagne, France, travelers have the option to visit some of the most beautiful parts of the country. The tour packages are either 7 or 8 days and make a fun option for travelers looking for an adrenaline rush.
The HOFNAR experience
HOFNAR offers fun, action packed trips that are perfect for thrill seekers who want to have an adventure during their travels. During the winter months they offer skiing and snowboarding trips to Morzine in the French Alps and there are options available for all experience levels. These trips appeal to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 (the average traveler is 29). You'll find all types of travelers from solo travelers to groups of friends. The tours are usually social and fun and the atmosphere is very laid back.